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Reservists get ready on the flight line

An electric scale aboard Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., is used to help demonstrate passenger registration for a flight, Dec. 2, 2012. Weight is an important concern before and during a flight, so passengers and cargo have to be weighed before it is loaded onto a flight. PFC Sullivan Laramie

CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C (December 11, 2012) – Marines with Combat Logistics Company 21, 2nd Marine Logistics Group and Marines with 4th Landing Support Battalion, 4th Marine Logistics Group worked together as an aerial port operations group, or APOG, at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., from Dec. 1 to 2.

Once a month, the reservists from 4th LSB conduct training to ensure the unit is able to function as an APOG, if needed. This training consisted of learning about the procedures and duties of an APOG, cargo and personnel certification, types of aircraft and time zones.

"We inspect everything that gets loaded onto the planes," said Cpl Joseph G. Brandstatter, a traffic management specialist with CLC-21. "Fluid leaks are a big problem for a flight, and I'm not going to send a broken humvee."

Marines also have to be aware of what is loaded onto aircraft and ensure restricted materials and hazardous materials are put in the correct locations.

"[The instructors] gave us really good instruction," said Cpl Jill M. Pratt, a fixed-wing airframe mechanic with 2nd Landing Support Platoon, 4th LSB. "We usually just train at our unit on a smaller level."

In addition, the Marines learned about new gear used during flight operations.

The CK-61 handheld scanner in combination with the Marine Air-Ground Task Force Deployment Support System is used to log in personnel and equipment for flights.

The new scanner is more functional than the previous one, said Sgt Joseph D. Beahman, a landing support specialist with CLC-21, who instructed the class on the CK-61. "It's pretty easy. I don't have to spend an hour and a half trying to get the system to talk to the scanner."

The training may have only lasted a weekend, but the Marines of 4th LSB are confident it will help them remain ready, relevant and responsive.

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